PART 4
Welcome to today’s conversation.
Prayer
Let’s pray together and ask the Holy Spirit to open our ears, eyes, and hearts:
THANK YOU, HOLY SPIRIT, THAT TODAY WE CAN GAIN DEEPER UNDERSTANDING FROM YOUR WORD – THAT YOU OPEN OUR EARS, OUR EYES, AND OUR HEARTS. THANK YOU, JESUS, THAT YOU BECAME MAN AND CAME TO LIVE AMONG US. THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORD. AMEN.
About the Series
We are now at the 4th part of this series. We focus on prophecies from the Old Testament about Jesus Christ – and in this way, we get to know Him more deeply and directly from His Word.
Living the Word
The content of this program is based on God’s Word, which commands us not only to know the Word, but to live it.
That’s why I want to remind you again of Joshua 1:8 (AFR20):
“This book of the law must not depart from your mouth. You must meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it; for then you will prosper in your way, and then you will have success.”
Notice the word meditate – not just read or study, but live it.
Transformation vs following Jesus
How many of us are like the Pharisees of old? They knew the Scriptures so well, yet they failed to recognise Jesus as the Son of God.
This morning I heard a preacher say: “Studying the Bible does not transform us – following Jesus does.” Amen.
Always Be Ready to Answer
We live in a world where many are sceptical about the Bible. The more we understand it, the better we can explain our faith with clarity and truth. Peter reminds us in 1 Peter 3:15 (AFR20):
“Always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you, but do so with gentleness and respect.”
Knowing the facts of Scripture and history helps us to respond meaningfully and credibly – not because of knowledge alone, but because we have received Jesus as our Saviour and Redeemer.
Purpose of the Series
To grow in knowledge and understanding of what the Old Testament says about Jesus. Throughout the Old Testament, the coming of the Messiah was foretold.
Micah:
Before we look at Daniel, let’s begin today with the prophet Micah.
Micah 5:1 :
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me One who is to be ruler in Israel. His origins are from ancient times, from days of eternity.”
From tiny Bethlehem would come a Ruler who would shepherd Israel – the humble birthplace of the King. Micah lived and prophesied between roughly 742 and 687 B.C. Chronologically, he came before Daniel, even though his book appears later in the order of the Old Testament.
Daniel
Daniel 7:13–14
“I saw in the night visions, and with the clouds of heaven came One like a son of man. He came to the Ancient of Days, and they brought Him before Him. To Him was given dominion, glory, and kingship, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not pass away, and His kingdom is one that shall never be destroyed.”
Why the expression “Ancient of Days”?
This is not a common way we normally speak of God, but Daniel used it for good reason:
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- In the ancient Near East, old age symbolised authority, wisdom, and reverence.
- Daniel chose an image his audience would immediately understand: God is the supreme, eternal King who rules above all times and kingdoms.
- It is figurative language – not that God is physically old, but that He is the One who precedes everything.
Daniel’s ministry took place between roughly 605 and 536 B.C.
Closing Thoughts
This brings us to the end of today’s discussion. My prayer is that it inspires you to read the Bible with greater depth and to apply it in your daily life.
We are truly blessed to have free access to God’s Word. Let us remember to pray for believers in countries where owning or reading a Bible is forbidden. I thank God with you for the privilege of having His Word – even at our fingertips on phones and digital devices.
Be joyful and eager to spend more time in God’s presence and in His Word. I look forward to our time together again next week.
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